Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system which can suppress an increased charging fee against user intention when charging power is restricted during charging.SOLUTION: A charging system 1 includes: a charging device which includes a plug 120 and a charger to be supplied to the plug 120; a vehicle which includes an inlet 133, to which the plug 120 is connected, and a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet 133; and a notification device 104 which notifies a user 2 of information. The charging device is configured to be capable of shifting from a general charging mode to a power restriction mode in which charging power is smaller than that in the general charging mode. When a charging fee which is required to complete the charging by the shift to the power restriction mode is higher than a charging fee which is required to complete charging by the general charging mode, the notification device 104 inquires the user 2 whether a shift to the power restriction mode may be executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charging system.

Background Art

[0002] Various charging systems have been proposed that include a vehicle including a power storage device and an inlet, and a charging device including a charging plug connected to the inlet for charging the power storage device.

[0003] For example, the charging device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-120529 includes a user interface that notifies a user of information and a control device that controls charging power.

[0004] Then, the charging device controls so that the charging power input to the power storage device does not exceed the upper limit charging power. Further, when the upper limit charging power drops below a threshold value that is lower than the maximum charging power by a predetermined amount during external charging, the charging device notifies the user via the user interface of inquiry information for inquiring the user as to whether it is necessary to end the external charging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] During charging, the charging device may limit the charging power due to various factors. In this case, the charging time becomes longer compared to before the charging power is limited.

[0007] When the charging time becomes longer, for example, when the charging fee increases in proportion to the charging time, the charging fee becomes higher contrary to the user's intention.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to provide a charging system that can prevent charging fees from increasing against the user's intention when charging power is reduced during charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The charging system relating to this disclosure comprises a charging device including a plug and a charger that supplies power to the plug, a vehicle including an inlet to which the plug is connected and a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet, and a notification device that notifies the user of information. The charging device is capable of switching from a normal charging mode to a power-limited mode in which the charging power is lower than that of the normal charging mode. If the charging cost required to complete charging by switching to the power-limited mode is higher than the charging cost required to complete charging in the normal charging mode, the notification device will ask the user whether it is okay to switch to the power-limited mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the charging system described herein, it is possible to prevent charging fees from increasing against the user's intentions when charging power is reduced while the vehicle is in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing the charging system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This graph schematically shows the charging fee setting information FD. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an overview of the charging flow. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart that specifically shows the charging stage (S215). [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the continuation of the flow for the charging stage (S215) shown in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The charging system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Among the components shown in Figures 1 to 5, components that are the same or substantially the same are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the charging system 1 according to Embodiment 2. The charging system 1 comprises a vehicle 102, a charging device 103, and an notification device 104.

[0014] The notification device 104 is, for example, an information terminal used by user 2, such as a smartphone. The notification device 104 includes a screen 105. The screen 105 can display various information to be notified to user 2. User 2 can input various information by operating the screen 105, and the screen 105 also functions as an input unit.

[0015] Vehicle 102 includes a power storage device 110, a charging inlet 113, power wiring 114, a vehicle controller 137, a temperature sensor 210, and a communication device 211.

[0016] The charging inlet 113 includes a DC(+) terminal 150, a DC(-) terminal 151, a PE terminal 152, an S(+) terminal 153, an S(-) terminal 154, a CC1 terminal 155, a CC2 terminal 156, and a housing 157. Each terminal 150 to 156 is housed within the housing 157, and each terminal is insulated. A temperature sensor 210 is provided in the charging inlet 113 and measures the temperature of the charging inlet 113. The temperature sensor 210 transmits the measured temperature information to the vehicle controller 137.

[0017] Vehicle 102 includes a vehicle controller 137, DC(+) wiring 130, DC(-) wiring 131, PE wire 132, S(+) signal wire 133, S(-) signal wire 134, CC1 communication wire 135, CC2 communication wire 136, vehicle controller 137, contactors K5, K6, and switches SW2, SWv.

[0018] The DC(+) wiring 130 and the DC(-) wiring 131 are connected to the power storage device 110. The DC(+) wiring 130 is connected to the DC(+) terminal 150, and the DC(-) wiring 131 is connected to the DC(-) terminal 151. The PE wire 132 is an earth wire and is connected to the PE terminal 152.

[0019] The S(+) signal line 133, the S(-) signal line 134, the CC1 communication line 135, and the CC2 communication line 136 are connected to the vehicle controller 137. The S(+) signal line 133 is connected to the S(+) terminal 153, and the S(-) signal line 134 is connected to the S(-) terminal 154. The CC1 communication line 135 is connected to the CC1 terminal 155, and the CC2 communication line 136 is connected to the CC2 terminal 156.

[0020] The contactor K5 is provided on the DC(+) wiring 130, and the contactor K6 is provided on the DC(-) wiring 131. A resistor R4 is connected to the CC1 communication line 135, and the switch SW2 is connected to the CC1 communication line 135 in series with the resistor R4. The switch SWv is provided on the CC2 communication line 136. The vehicle controller 137 controls the ON / OFF switching of the contactors K5, K6 and the switches S2, Sv.

[0021] The vehicle controller 137 is provided with a BMS (battery management system) 138 which is provided. The BMS 138 includes a storage unit 139, and information regarding a version message, discharge compatibility information, identification message, charging specifications message BCP, and threshold temperature TH1, etc. is stored in the storage unit 139. The communication device 211 is configured to transmit and receive various information to and from the notification device 104.

[0022] The charging device 103 includes a charger 122, DC(+) wiring 160, DC(-) wiring 161, PE wire 162, S(+) signal wire 163, S(-) signal wire 164, CC1 communication wire 165, CC2 communication wire 166, contactor K1, contactor K2, switch S1, voltage measuring device 145, bleeder circuit 146, IMD (Insulation monitoring device) 147, charger controller 173, cooling device 200, temperature sensor 201, and heat transmission member 202.

[0023] The plug 120 includes a DC(+) terminal 180, a DC(-) terminal 181, a PE terminal 182, an S(+) terminal 183, an S(-) terminal 184, a CC1 terminal 185, a CC2 terminal 186, and a housing 187. Each terminal is housed within the housing 187. A temperature sensor 201 is provided on the plug 120 and measures the temperature of the plug 120. The temperature sensor 201 transmits the measured temperature information to the charger controller 173.

[0024] The heat transfer member 202 is provided to connect the plug 120 and the cooling device 200. For example, the heat transfer member 202 includes a hollow refrigerant pipe and liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe. The cooling device 200 cools the heat transfer member 202 by exchanging heat with the outside air after the heat has been transferred through the heat transfer member 202. In this way, the temperature of the plug 120 is suppressed from rising during charging.

[0025] DC(+) wire 160 and DC(-) wire 161 are connected to the charger 122. DC(+) wire 160 is connected to the DC(+) terminal 180, and DC(-) wire 161 is connected to the DC(-) terminal 181. PE wire 162 is the ground wire, and PE wire 162 is connected to the PE terminal 182.

[0026] The S(+) signal line 163, the S(-) signal line 164, and the CC1 communication line 165 are connected to the charger controller 173. The S(+) signal line 163 is connected to the S(+) terminal 183, and the S(-) signal line 164 is connected to the S(-) terminal 184.

[0027] The CC1 communication line 165 is connected to the CC1 terminal 185. One end of the CC2 communication line 166 is connected to the PE line 162, and the other end is connected to the CC2 terminal 186.

[0028] Contactor K1 is located on DC(+) wiring 160, and contactor K2 is located on DC(-) wiring 161. A resistor R1 is provided on CC1 communication line 165, and switch SW1 is connected to CC1 communication line 165 in parallel with resistor R1.

[0029] The voltage measuring device 145 is provided to connect the DC(+) wiring 160 and the DC(-) wiring 161. Specifically, it is connected between the DC(+) terminal 180 and contactor K1 of the DC(+) wiring 160, and between the DC(-) terminal 181 and contactor K2 of the DC(-) wiring 161.

[0030] IMD47 is between charger 122 and contactors K1, K2, and DC(+) wiring 1 It is provided to connect 60 and DC(-) wiring 161. Furthermore, IMD 147 is also connected to PE wire 162. The bleeder circuit 146 is between the charger 122 and contactors K1, K2 and connects DC(+) wiring 160 and DC(-) wiring 161. It is designed to do so.

[0031] When plug 120 is connected to charging inlet 113, DC(+) terminal 150 is connected to DC(+) terminal 180, and DC(-) terminal 151 is connected to DC(-) terminal 181. PE terminal 152 is connected to PE terminal 182, S(+) terminal 153 is connected to S(+) terminal 183, S(-) terminal 154 is connected to S(-) terminal 184, CC1 terminal 155 is connected to CC1 terminal 185, and CC2 terminal 156 is connected to CC2 terminal 186.

[0032] The charger controller 173 includes a memory unit 174. The memory unit 174 stores a version message, discharge compatibility information, identification message, charger time synchronization information message CTS, charger maximum output capability message CML, charger charge / discharge direction request message CCD, and charge charge setting information FD related to the threshold temperature TH2 and charge charge. The threshold temperature TH2 indicates the allowable temperature of the plug 120.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic graph illustrating the charging fee setting information FD. In the graph shown in Figure 2, the vertical axis represents the unit price of the charging fee (yen / min), and the horizontal axis represents the maximum charging power (kW). In the example shown in Figure 2, the charging fee is determined by the maximum charging power.

[0034] The vehicle controller 137 periodically monitors detection points P2 and P3, and the charger controller 173 periodically monitors detection point P1.

[0035] The charger controller 173 controls the ON / OFF switching of the charger 122 and the switch SW1. It controls the ON / OFF switching of contactors K1 and K2.

[0036] The vehicle controller 137 controls the ON / OFF switching of switches SW2 and SWv. This unit controls the overall operation and the ON / OFF switching of contactors K5 and K6.

[0037] As described above, when the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113, various controls are executed to perform charging.

[0038] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of the charging flow. In Figure 3, the charging flow includes a connection confirmation stage (S210), an adhesion check stage (S211), an insulation test stage (S212), a charging handshake stage (S213), a charging parameters arrangement stage (S214), a charging stage (S215), and a charging completion stage (S216).

[0039] The connection confirmation stage (S210) is the stage in which the vehicle controller 137 checks whether the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113. When the vehicle controller 137 determines that the plug 120 is connected to the charging inlet 113, it locks the plug 120 to the charging inlet 113.

[0040] The welding check stage (S211) is the stage in which it is detected whether contactors K5 and K6 are welded together.

[0041] The insulation test stage (S212) is a stage in which the insulation status of the DC(+) wiring 160 and DC(-) wiring 161, and the insulation status of the DC(+) terminal 180 and DC(-) terminal 181 are confirmed.

[0042] The charging handshake phase (S213) is the phase in which the BMS138 and the charger controller 173 exchange version messages, discharge compatibility information, and identification messages.

[0043] The charging specification arrangement stage (S214) is the stage in which the charger controller 173 and BMS 138 send and receive various charging specification messages and determine whether charging is possible for both devices.

[0044] The charging specifications message BCP is a message that the BMS 138 sends to the charger controller 173, and includes information such as the maximum allowable charging power, maximum allowable charging current value, maximum allowable charging voltage, and allowable temperature. The charger controller 173 sends the charger time synchronization information message CTS, the charger maximum output capability message CML, and the charger charge / discharge direction request message CCD to the BMS 138.

[0045] Then, when the BMS138 determines that charging is possible, it sends a charging readiness message BRO to the charger controller 173. When the charger controller 173 determines that charging is possible, it sends a charger output ready message CRO to the BMS138.

[0046] The charging stage (S215) will be described later using Figure 4 and other references. In the charging completion stage (S216), the operation of the charger 122 stops, and the power supply from the charging device 103 stops. Then, contactors K1, K2, K5, and K6 turn OFF.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flowchart that specifically shows the charging stage (S215). The BMS138 transmits a battery charge demand message BCL (S300). The initial battery charge demand message BCL includes information such as the demanded power (W), demanded voltage (V), and demanded current (A). In this embodiment, the demanded power is set to the maximum allowable charging power, and the demanded voltage and demanded current are set based on the demanded power.

[0048] When the charger controller 173 receives the battery charge demand message BCL, it controls the operation of the charger 122 and transmits power based on the information contained in the battery charge demand message BCL (S400). Here, the charging mode in which the charging equipment 3 is charging based on the battery charge demand message BCL is called the normal charging mode.

[0049] The charger controller 173 obtains the measured temperature TS1 from the temperature sensor 201 and determines whether the measured temperature TS1 is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1 (S405). If the charger controller 173 determines that the measured temperature TS1 is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1 (Yes in S405), it determines whether it has already sent the error message EM1 (S406). If it determines that it has already sent the error message EM1 (Yes in S406, proceeding to S460 as described above). On the other hand, if it determines that it has not sent the error message EM1 (No in S406), the charger controller 173 sends the error message EM1 (S410). The error message EM1 includes the charging fee setting information FD and information indicating the low power LP when transitioning to thermal management mode. Thermal management mode is a charging mode in which the output power is set lower than the output power (charging power) in the normal charging mode described later. This suppresses the temperature of the plug 120 from rising.

[0050] After sending the battery charge demand message BCL, BMS138 determines whether it has received error message EM1 (S305).

[0051] If BMS138 determines that it has not received error message EM1 (No in S305), BMS138 proceeds to S355, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it determines that it has received error message EM1 (Yes in S305), BMS138 determines whether the charging fee will increase by switching to thermal management mode (S306).

[0052] Specifically, the BMS138 determines, based on the charging fee setting information FD, that if the charging fee is a fixed fee or a system where the charging fee increases as the amount of power charged increases, the charging fee will not increase even if the system switches to thermal management mode.

[0053] Furthermore, in cases where the charging fee increases based on the maximum output power shown in Figure 2, or where the charging fee increases depending on the charging time, the system determines that the charging fee will increase when the system switches to thermal management mode.

[0054] Furthermore, the BMS138 may be configured to calculate the difference in charging charges based on the current SOC of the energy storage device 110, the output power when it switches to thermal management mode, and the charging power in normal charging mode.

[0055] When BMS138 switches to thermal management mode, if it determines that the charging fee will be high (Yes in S306), BMS138 sends inquiry message IM1 to notification device 104. If BMS138 determines that the charging fee will not be high (No in S306), it proceeds to S320, which will be described later.

[0056] Inquiry message IM1 is a message that asks whether it is acceptable to switch to thermal management mode, as this will increase the charging fee. It is also possible to include information in inquiry message IM1 indicating the difference in charging fees resulting from switching to thermal management mode.

[0057] When the notification device 104 receives the inquiry message IM1, it notifies the user 2. For example, it displays the contents of the inquiry message IM1 on the screen 105. The user 2 can then check the contents displayed on the screen 105. At this time, the screen 105 includes information such as that the temperature of the plug 120 has risen, that a transition to thermal management mode is desired, and information regarding charging charges. The user 2 operates the screen 105 to input whether or not to transition to thermal management mode. The notification device 104 sends a response message AM1 to the BMS 138 (S312). The response message AM1 includes information on whether or not to transition to the mode.

[0058] When the BMS138 receives the response message AM1, it determines whether or not to enter thermal management mode (S315).

[0059] If the BMS138 determines that transitioning to thermal management mode is permitted (Yes in S315), it sends a response signal RS1 to the charger controller 173 that includes a flag allowing transition to thermal management mode (S320). On the other hand, if the BMS138 determines that transitioning to thermal management mode is not permitted (No in S315), it sends a response signal RS1 to the charger controller 173 that includes a flag requesting a charge stop (S321). After sending the response signal RS1 including the flag requesting a charge stop, the BMS138 proceeds to S216.

[0060] When the charger controller 173 receives the response signal RS1, it determines whether mode transition is permitted (S415).

[0061] If the charger controller 173 determines that transitioning to thermal management mode is not permitted (the response signal RS1 contains a flag for stopping charging) (No in S415), the charger controller 173 stops charging (S216).

[0062] On the other hand, the charger controller 173 is authorized to transition to thermal management mode. If a decision is made (Yes in S415), the system switches to thermal management mode (S420).

[0063] The charger controller 173 then controls the operation of the charger 122 to output at low power LP. The charger controller 173 then stores the transmission history of error message EM1 in the storage unit 174 (S425). The charger controller 173 then drives the cooling device 200 (S430). By driving the cooling device 200, the plug 120 can be cooled through the heat transfer member 202.

[0064] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the charging stage (S215) flow shown in Figure 4. The BMS138 obtains the measured temperature TS2 from the temperature sensor 210, and the BMS138 determines whether the measured temperature TS2 is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH2 (S355).

[0065] If BMS138 determines that the measured temperature TS2 is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH2 (Yes in S355), BMS138 determines whether it has already sent the error message EM2 (S356).

[0066] If BMS138 determines that it has already sent error message EM2 (Yes in S356), BMS138 proceeds to S390 as described above. On the other hand, if BMS138 has no history of sending error message EM2, it sends error message EM2 to the charger controller 173 (S360).

[0067] The charger controller 173 determines whether it has received error message EM2 (S460). If the charger controller 173 determines that it has received error message EM2 (Yes in S460), it sends a response signal RS2 (S465). This response signal RS2 contains charging fee setting information FD.

[0068] The BMS138 determines whether the charging fee will be increased based on the charging fee setting information FD (S365). The determination method is the same as the determination method in S306 above.

[0069] When the BMS138 determines that the charging fee will be high (S365), it sends an inquiry message IM2 to the notification device 104. The inquiry message IM2 includes charging fee setting information FD and information regarding low power LP. The notification device 104 notifies the user (S313). The notification device 104 then sends a reply message AM2 containing the information entered by user 2 (S314). The reply message AM2 includes information on whether or not a mode transition is possible.

[0070] When the BMS138 receives the response message AM2, it determines whether or not to enter thermal management mode (S380). If the BMS138 determines that transition to thermal management mode is permitted (Yes in S380), it sends a response signal RS2 to the charger controller 173 that includes a flag allowing transition to thermal management mode (S381). On the other hand, if the BMS138 determines that transition to thermal management mode is not permitted (No in S380), it sends a response signal RS12 to the charger controller 173 that includes a flag requesting a charge stop (S382).

[0071] When the charger controller 173 receives the response signal RS2, it determines whether mode transition is permitted (S465).

[0072] If the charger controller 173 determines that transitioning to thermal management mode is not permitted (the response signal RS2 contains a flag for stopping charging) (No in S465), the charger controller 173 stops charging (S216).

[0073] On the other hand, if the charger controller 173 determines that it is permitted to switch to thermal management mode (Yes in S465), it switches to thermal management mode (S480). Then, the charger controller 173 drives the cooling device 200 (S485).

[0074] After S381, BMS138 stores the transmission history of error message EM2 in its memory (S382). Then, it sets the power demand in the battery charging demand message BCL to low power LP1 (S390).

[0075] In the above embodiment, the BMS 138 receives charging fee setting information FD from the charger controller 173, but the method of obtaining the charging fee setting information FD is not limited to the above example. For example, a server configured to communicate with the vehicle controller 137 and the charger controller 173 may be provided, and the charging fee setting information FD may be stored in the server. In this case, the BMS 138 will obtain the stored charging fee setting information FD from the server. Also, if the BMS 138 cannot obtain information regarding the charging fee setting information FD, the BMS 138 may store data indicating the charging history (information identifying the charging device, and a history showing the charging power and elapsed time) and the charging fee in the above server. In such a case, the content of the charging fee setting for each charging device can be inferred. Based on the estimation result of the fee setting method, it may be decided whether or not to change the mode. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications in the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1A Charging system, 2 User, 3 Charging equipment, 102 Vehicle, 103 Charging device, 104 Notification device, 105 Screen, 110 Energy storage device, 113 Charging inlet, 114 Power wiring, 120 plug, 122 charger, 137 vehicle controller, 139, 174 memory unit, 145 voltage measuring device, 146 bleeder circuit, 157, 187 housing, 173 charger controller, 200 cooling device, 201, 210 temperature sensor, 202 Heat transfer element, 211 communication device, FD charge fee setting information, TH1, TH2 threshold temperature, TS1 measured temperature.

Claims

[Claim 1] A charging device including a plug, a charger that supplies power to the plug, and a charger controller, A vehicle including an inlet to which the plug is connected, a power storage device to which power is supplied through the inlet, and a BMS, A notification device that informs the user of information and that the user can operate, A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the plug, A cooling device for cooling the plug, Equipped with, The charging device is capable of switching from a normal charging mode to a power-limited mode in which the charging power is lower than that of the normal charging mode. When the temperature of the plug, as measured by the temperature sensor, rises above a predetermined temperature, the charger controller sends an error message to the BMS. If the BMS receives the error message and the charging cost required to complete charging by switching to the power limit mode is higher than the charging cost required to complete charging in the normal charging mode, the BMS will, through the notification device, inquire with the user whether it is acceptable to switch to the power limit mode. When the charger controller receives a response signal from the BMS that permits it to switch to the power limiting mode, it drives the cooling device and switches to the power limiting mode. A charging system in which, when the charger controller receives a response signal from the BMS that does not permit the transition to the power limiting mode, the cooling device does not operate and charging stops.

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